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CUPERTINO (AP) — Apple Computer Inc. said Thursday it has cut an undisclosed number of sales jobs, but that the overall headcount in its sales and retail departments continues to grow. 

The computer-maker, like others in the industry, has been struggling with slumping demand for personal computers in the weak economy. Still, Apple had not previously announced job cuts during the current economic downturn. 

In a statement, the company said new staff have been added as the company opens retail stores and places salespeople in some CompUSA stores. 

“While some sales positions have been reassigned or eliminated during the normal course of business, the overall headcount in our sales and retail groups is growing,” the statement said. 

An Apple spokeswoman would not disclose how many positions were cut. 

Despite record low prices, the PC industry is expected to see its first-ever drop in sales this year. Business is not expected to recover until next year or early 2003, according to analysts. 

Other computer-makers, including Dell Computer Corp. and Gateway Inc., have cut thousands of jobs in recent months.